The Alexandria Sheriff's Office prioritizes community safety, especially for children. Responsible firearm ownership is crucial to preventing tragic accidents.

The Risk of Unsecured Guns: Unsecured firearms pose serious threats. A significant number of unintentional shootings involving children and teens occur when guns are not securely stored. Curious children, often more resourceful than we think, can often access a “hidden” gun, leading to devastating consequences. A CDC study found 85% of unintentional child firearm deaths happen at homes, frequently when children are playing with a gun or showing it to someone else. In 2024 alone, there were 360 unintentional shootings by children, resulting in 136 deaths and 231 injuries nationwide.

Secure storage means keeping firearms unloaded, locked, and inaccessible to children.

Free Gun Locks & Tax Credit: The Sheriff's Office offers free gun locks at the Public Safety Center 24/7 and at community events. You can also pick them up at Alexandria libraries and the Del Pepper Community Resource Center. Additionally, Virginia residents may qualify for a tax credit of up to $300 for purchasing a gun safe, case, or locking storage device through 2027.

Talk about Gun Safety: Beyond secure storage, we urge parents and guardians to discuss gun safety with their children. If your kids visit other homes, talk to other parents and caregivers about their firearm storage practices. Your child's safety is always your business.

Learn More: The Sheriff's Office recommends visiting Be SMART for Kids to learn more about preventing firearm-related tragedies. Be SMART provides valuable resources, including guidance on how to discuss gun presence in other homes before your child visits.

Thank you for helping to make our community safer!